Digital scale question
- Thread starter Mark M.
- Start date
I've been using this cheap one for my small batch rifle reloading and been pretty happy with it to date. Starts to wonder by 0.02-0.06 gr after 10 or so rounds, so I tear it and recheck the calibration weight. Most of the time after tearing it and checking it's still pretty close. The 0.02 weight resolution is pretty nice, and can usually get noticeable change with 1-2 grannuals of Varget.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06W5VXN53/?tag=accuratescom-20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06W5VXN53/?tag=accuratescom-20
I own 7 scales, 5 of which are digital, and have participated in these types of forum questions across 5 forums for a few years now. Let me try to give you an objective summary of that experience.
There doesn't seem to be much difference in the reported performance of digital scales up to about $125. That includes the digital scales attached to auto-dispensers like the Chargemaster and CM Lite. Some folks report "they work fine for me". Others report their scales constantly lose zero, flutter to different readings, and lack repeatability. Those who report they work fine often respond "I just re-zero after every weighing."
The major problem with all scales under $500 is the strain gauge used for weighing. It is often referred to as a "noise meter", ie, it responds to RF transmissions and noise on the electrical line. Perhaps those who report their scale works fine have a noise-free reloading environment or have a different tolerance level for variation.
At $~125 the GemPro 250 receives the most positive comments. It still responds to noise, but it holds zero better. This is probably due to its programming which holds the scale at its current weight, ignoring small changes in the weight/noise it senses. That leads to its biggest flaw for "tricklers" . . . adding a grain of powder doesn't change the weight reading. Tapping the scale after a trickle to force a re-weigh is a good workaround.
At $500 is the A&D FX120i. It is the least expensive scale currently available that does not flutter due to noise, does not lose zero, and responds instantly to single kernels of powder. It is so good that attachments have been developed for its old-fashioned serial port (AutoTrickler, AutoThrower) that turn it into a +/- 1 kernel autodispenser.
TLDR: There doesn't seem to be a lot of difference between low-cost digital scales until you reach the GemPro 250. There doesn't seem to be any reason to spend more than a GemPro 250 until you get to the A&D FX120i. Your budget, your environment, your tolerance for likely digital frustration, and your tolerance for weight variations should determine your choice.
There doesn't seem to be much difference in the reported performance of digital scales up to about $125. That includes the digital scales attached to auto-dispensers like the Chargemaster and CM Lite. Some folks report "they work fine for me". Others report their scales constantly lose zero, flutter to different readings, and lack repeatability. Those who report they work fine often respond "I just re-zero after every weighing."
The major problem with all scales under $500 is the strain gauge used for weighing. It is often referred to as a "noise meter", ie, it responds to RF transmissions and noise on the electrical line. Perhaps those who report their scale works fine have a noise-free reloading environment or have a different tolerance level for variation.
At $~125 the GemPro 250 receives the most positive comments. It still responds to noise, but it holds zero better. This is probably due to its programming which holds the scale at its current weight, ignoring small changes in the weight/noise it senses. That leads to its biggest flaw for "tricklers" . . . adding a grain of powder doesn't change the weight reading. Tapping the scale after a trickle to force a re-weigh is a good workaround.
At $500 is the A&D FX120i. It is the least expensive scale currently available that does not flutter due to noise, does not lose zero, and responds instantly to single kernels of powder. It is so good that attachments have been developed for its old-fashioned serial port (AutoTrickler, AutoThrower) that turn it into a +/- 1 kernel autodispenser.
TLDR: There doesn't seem to be a lot of difference between low-cost digital scales until you reach the GemPro 250. There doesn't seem to be any reason to spend more than a GemPro 250 until you get to the A&D FX120i. Your budget, your environment, your tolerance for likely digital frustration, and your tolerance for weight variations should determine your choice.
Two boxer nailed it... I just went through this same thing looking for a digital scale to fast check loads on a Dillon progressive... It's basically $50 - $200 - or $500+ when it comes down to it.... Last time I looked the gem pro 250 had been discontinued... Bcz was nice enough to send me his old RCBS range master and I like it alot...
Dillon also makes a digital around the same price.... You will see drift in about all the cheaper ones and by cheaper I meen under the $500 price point so the choice is up to you... As stated above if you're not useing a progressive press the charge master light is a good deal with the straw mods etc you can do yourself , there's tons of you tube videos... Might want to read some reviews and watch some you tube before committing to anything....
Dillon also makes a digital around the same price.... You will see drift in about all the cheaper ones and by cheaper I meen under the $500 price point so the choice is up to you... As stated above if you're not useing a progressive press the charge master light is a good deal with the straw mods etc you can do yourself , there's tons of you tube videos... Might want to read some reviews and watch some you tube before committing to anything....
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Coyotefurharvester
Silver $$ Contributor
After years of calibrating and troubleshooting digital and analog scales, cold solder and improperly sealed circuit boards cause most drifting. Occasionally would see some AC induced issues,rare earth magnets would clean up most EM zero shifts.
Coyotefurharvester
Silver $$ Contributor
MyWeigh stills shows the gp250 in the product line.
he is speaking from experience, lots of frustrating experience
If anyone has just got to have a Gem Pro 250 I have a new one in the box used once.
Price $220.00 they went up since you guys last looked at them. That's what I paid.
I'll stick to my Redding #2 here on, just just don't like digital. HB
Price $220.00 they went up since you guys last looked at them. That's what I paid.
I'll stick to my Redding #2 here on, just just don't like digital. HB
smoooth
Gold $$ Contributor
For nearly 20 years I have been using a Pact digital scale (only "accurate" to .1+-) and have lived with the quirks. One article I read years ago in Varmint Hunter magazine said that leaving the scale plugged in and on would help with drifting - it absolutely did! Another tip was, as mentioned above, is to bump or tip the pan a little bit after putting a charge in it. Once the scale reads where it is supposed to, gently bump or tip the pan 3 times until it reads your desired charge the same 3 times in a row, adding or removing powder as necessary. It is an accurate and repeatable process but SLOW!
I'm going back to mechanical scales for speed and accuracy, the cheap digital has really been slowing me down and causing unnecessary frustration. Mechanical scales also respond immediately to powder trickling!
Never forget the wisdom of KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid
I'm going back to mechanical scales for speed and accuracy, the cheap digital has really been slowing me down and causing unnecessary frustration. Mechanical scales also respond immediately to powder trickling!
Never forget the wisdom of KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid
Liven The Dream
Gold $$ Contributor
https://www.oldwillknottscales.com/and-newton-ej-123.html
A&D EJ 123 scale ON sale read the reviews ?
I went thru 3 Gem Pro 250 scales after a couple years they floated all over.
I call Oldwiltnott they suggested the 123 ? happy ever after . I do load a lot .
A&D EJ 123 scale ON sale read the reviews ?
I went thru 3 Gem Pro 250 scales after a couple years they floated all over.
I call Oldwiltnott they suggested the 123 ? happy ever after . I do load a lot .
I have the same scale coupled to an RCBS charger, once I throw a charge I'll verify on my 1010For nearly 20 years I have been using a Pact digital scale (only "accurate" to .1+-) and have lived with the quirks. One article I read years ago in Varmint Hunter magazine said that leaving the scale plugged in and on would help with drifting - it absolutely did! Another tip was, as mentioned above, is to bump or tip the pan a little bit after putting a charge in it. Once the scale reads where it is supposed to, gently bump or tip the pan 3 times until it reads your desired charge the same 3 times in a row, adding or removing powder as necessary. It is an accurate and repeatable process but SLOW!
I'm going back to mechanical scales for speed and accuracy, the cheap digital has really been slowing me down and causing unnecessary frustration. Mechanical scales also respond immediately to powder trickling!
Never forget the wisdom of KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid
I'm not in a hurry when loading
Before you look at dispenser/scales i.e. Chargemaster, read the warranty carefully.
smoooth
Gold $$ Contributor
Is the warranty voided if used with smokeless powder, LOL...??
I don't have the answer to that but I do know that if the 1500 goes hinky during the 8th month and there was a six month warranty by RCBS the are going to politely tell you to stick it where the sun don't shine.
Luckily, I bought it from Brownell's and had Brownell's EDGE. I shipped it back and received a full refund (not vendor credit).
I am done with RCBS and have since ordered only from Brownells.
Luckily, I bought it from Brownell's and had Brownell's EDGE. I shipped it back and received a full refund (not vendor credit).
I am done with RCBS and have since ordered only from Brownells.
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